Homeowner, 80, charged in shooting of burglar: ‘Do what you have to do’

Homeowner, 80, charged in shooting of burglar: ‘Do what you have to do’

Homer “Tank” Wright has run a tavern in Englewood for 40 years — half his life — and relatives say he was getting tired of being robbed.

Early Monday morning he finally had enough. Awaken by his 75-year-old wife, Wright confronted a 19-year-old burglar who had broken through some plywood over a bathroom window in hopes of stealing liquor, according to police. Wright grabbed his 38.caliber pistol, loaded with four rounds, and shot the intruder in the leg.

The suspect was arrested — and so was Wright. Because of prior weapons convictions, Wright was charged with unlawful use of a weapon, sparking calls by his family and neighbors for prosecutors to back down.

Wright himself said little, on the advice of his attorney, as he walked out of the Criminal Courthouse this afternoon. But the Army veteran made it clear he felt he had no choice. “Any time a person invades your privacy and wasn’t invited, you’re going to do what you have to do.”